In many of its analyses involving shipping, the Bureau of Transport Economics has been required to estimate costs associated with owning and operating vessels of various types. This Paper presents a model for estimating long-run average ship costs that was developed by the Bureau for this purpose. The model has been developed as a computer program (BTESHIP) to enable ship costs to be evaluated quickly and conveniently. However, to use the model effectively it is necessary to have an understanding of the principles involved in estimating ship costs. This Paper contains a discussion of the nature of ship costs and their estimation, as well as a user's manual which documents the structure and operation of the program.

• A Model for Estimating Cargo Ship Costs; BTCESHIP
  
  op_083.pdf
  (6.83 MB)

This Paper discusses the current situation and problems of Australian Port Authorities, particularly in the light of the limited amount of competition imposed by the economies of scale inherent in modern cargo-handling technologies, whether for bulk cargoes or for containers.

• Port Authorities in Australia
  
  op_084.pdf
  (5.62 MB)

The Bureau of Transport Economics (BTE) agreed to a request from the Commissioner of the New South Wales Department of Motor Transport (DMT) to undertake a study to monitor a six-month trial. The trial period extended from 17 November 1986 to 17 May 1987 and was confined to the Sydney–Canberra and Sydney–North Coast of New South Wales corridors. The information upon which the results of this study are based was obtained from a review of official statistics relating to passenger travel, information supplied by industry sources, New South Wales Government instrumentalities and from surveys of passengers on bus and train services undertaken by the BTE. The surveys were carried out in January and April 1987 to provide profile characteristics of passengers travelling during peak and off-peak periods respectively.

• Intrastate Bus Services in New South Wales: Trial Entry Liberalisation
  
  op_085.pdf
  (4.1 MB)

On 11 September 1985, Terms of Reference directing the Bureau of Transport Economics to undertake an assessment of the costs and benefits of closing Australian National's Tasmanian rail system were announced. This Paper provides details of freight projections derived from an examination of the future prospects for those industries using rail services within Tasmania.

• Tasmanian Industry Outlook: Implications for Tasrail
  
  ip_024.pdf
  (4.69 MB)

In 1985–86 the Comnonwealth Government agreed to a contract arrangement to finance the operating losses incurred by the Australian National (AN) Tasmanian rail system over the three-year period, 1985–86 to 1987–88.

• The Tasmanian Rail System: An Assessment of Costs and Benefits
  
  report_062.pdf
  (11.36 MB)

The Bureau was required to assess the economic and financial costs and benefits to the railways, governments and the nation of several options for partial or complete integration of the two systems. Operational, marketing, financial and industrial implications, and social costs and benefits have been considered.

• AN-Westrail Integration: An Assessment of Options
  
  report_063.pdf
  (8.27 MB)

In December 1986, the Australian Transport Advisory Council (ATAC) sought the assistance of the Bureau of Transport Economics in undertaking a review of transport research in Australia. The aims of the resulting study carried out by the Bureau were to identify the nature and extent of current Australian transport research, to assess priority areas for future research and to address coordination issues pertinent to delivery of an effective research effort. Following consideration at the December 1987 meeting of ATAC the results of the review are to be used as a basis for discussion at a seminar on transport research to be convened early in 1988.

• A Review of Transport Research in Australia
  
  ip_025.pdf
  (7.78 MB)

This Information Paper details the costs of road crashes in Australia for 1988. Costs have been grouped into three broad categories: loss of victim; crash generated activities; and pain and suffering.

• Costs of Road Crashes in Australia–1988
  
  is_001.pdf
  (215.02 KB)

The car rental industry in Australia has experienced strong growth in turnover during the past decade and a correspondingly high degree of price and service competition. Industry turnover has increased from $25 million in 1975 to in excess of $200 million in 1986, with the four national operators accounting for an estimated 80 to 85 per cent of industry turnover. The study indicates that greater operator access to Commonwealth airports since 1979 has been beneficial for consumers, operators and government airport concession revenue, alike.

• Australian Car Rental Industry Study
  
  op_086.pdf
  (5.94 MB)

In December 1986, the Australian Transport Advisory Council (ATAC) sought the assistance of the Bureau of Transport Economics in undertaking a review of transport research in Australia. The aims of the resulting study carried out by the Bureau were to identify the nature and extent of current Australian transport research, to assess priority areas for future research and to address coordination issues pertinent to delivery of an effective research effort. Following consideration at the December 1987 meeting of ATAC the results of the review are to be used as a basis for discussion at a seminar on transport research to be convened early in 1988.

• Shore-Based Shipping Costs: Transport and Handling of Bulk Cargo
  
  ip_026.pdf
  (3.74 MB)